We’ve listened to concerns raised about driver safety and are making changes on Matakana Valley Road between 662 Matakana Valley Road and Smith Road intersection. This area has been identified as high risk for crashes, mostly caused by drivers losing control or turning collisions. We are committed to making this road safer for everyone.The changes we are making mid-2026:Install new high friction surfacing on Matakana Valley Road between 662 Matakana Valley Road and the Smith Road intersection. This will help reduce the chance of vehicles skidding or losing control.Install new curve advisory and advisory speed signs between 662 Matakana Valley Road and the Smith Road intersection. These signs warn drivers that they are coming up to a tight curve or bend in the road and recommends a safe and comfortable speed to drive around the curve.Install new SLOW DOWN signage outside 507 and 662 Matakana Valley Road. These signs improve driver awareness of their speed and encourage them to slow down on approaches to this high-risk section of road.Install new reflective road markers (cat’s eyes) between 667 Matakana Valley Road and the Smith Rd intersection. Cat’s eyes are warning devices that help motorists drive within the lane especially in dark conditionsApply new road markings on all approaches to guide drivers to stay in their lane as they enter the curves.Benefits to your community:Encourages drivers to slow down and take extra care near the intersectionNew road markings and signs will clarify right of way, improve safety by minimising risk of collisions and ensure compliance with traffic regulationsReduce the risk of crashes by helping drivers keep control of their vehicles.Make this busy section of road safer for all road users - drivers, passengers, and the wider community.What happens next:We will be in touch with residents before any construction takes place.Any change to the plan will be updated on our website.How to contact us:If you’d like to discuss our plans, share what you know about your area or let us know if there’s anything we’ve missed, email us at [email protected] or leave us a comment on our website by 17 November 2025.

RODNEY - AUCKLANDHeavy Rain WatchPeriod:  13hrs from 1pm Wed, 12 Nov - 2am Thu, 13 NovArea:  Auckland and Great Barrier IslandForecast:  Periods of heavy rain, with thunderstorms and localised downpours possible. Amounts may approach warning criteria. Moderate chance of upgrading to a Warning.Strong Wind WatchPeriod: 6hrs from 6pm - midnight Wed, 12 NovArea: Auckland and Great Barrier IslandForecast: Northeast winds may approach severe gale in exposed places. Moderate chance of upgrading to a Warning.NORTHLANDHeavy Rain WatchPeriod: 12hrs from 10am - 10pm Wed, 12 NovArea: NorthlandForecast: Periods of heavy rain, with thunderstorms and localised downpours possible. Amounts may approach warning criteria. Moderate chance of upgrading to a Warning.Strong Wind WatchPeriod: 7hrs from 4pm - 11pm Wed, 12 NovArea: NorthlandForecast: Northeast winds may approach severe gale in exposed places. Moderate chance of upgrading to a Warning.

Police are poised to begin testing drivers for drugs with a device that involves a quick swipe of the driver's tongue.The government on Tuesday announced roadside testing for four types of drugs will begin next month in Wellington, spreading nationwide by mid-2026.It said there would be "fewer tragedies" as a result.An oral-fluid testing device would be able to detect cannabis, cocaine, ecstasy or meth.If a tongue-swipe test taking a few minutes was positive, a second roadside test would follow.If that was positive too, then the driver would be prohibited from driving for 12 hours.In addition, police will take a saliva sample for analysis in a lab that can test for 25 types of drug, and any infringement notice will follow from that."Most drivers will be free to go within about five minutes once they have a negative test result," the government announcement said."Around 30 percent of all road deaths now involve an impairing drug," Transport Minister Chris Bishop said in a statement."If you take drugs and drive, you're putting innocent lives at risk - and we will not tolerate it."This article was originally published by RNZ

Biosecurity New Zealand has removed another yellow legged hornet and its nest in the past week.The queen hornet was found in the Auckland suburb of Glenfield.It takes the tally to seven including five queens and two males.Authorities say another queen and two males are also suspected, but not confirmed, based on photographs provided by members of the public.In response, Biosecurity New Zealand has increased the amount of traps on Auckland's North Shore from 120 to 142.North Commissioner Mike Inglis said these traps would trial protein-based baits over the summer months when hornet activity was expected to rise."We increased the traps mainly because we want to trial new traps as we move to the next stage which will be putting out protein-based traps if indeed there is any worker bees but we're still focused on the queens."They had also assembled a Technical Advisory Group of independent scientific experts, he said.It was positive that the hornet discoveries remained limited to Auckland's North Shore, Inglis said.Members of the public were urged to report suspected hornets or nests, but only if they had a specimen, a clear photo, or had located a possible nest.Inglis said there had been cases of people posting pictures of previously discovered hornets on social media and claiming it was a new discovery which was why they could not just use photographs to confirm a discovery."We encourage people to notify us of finds and we'll come to try to collect a sample."There had been more than 2500 public notifications to date, he said.Reports can be made at report.mpi.govt.nz or by calling Biosecurity New Zealand's exotic pest and disease hotline on 0800 809 966.This story was originally published by RNZ

Inside VINCI’s play for Northland’s biggest project and the local company at the heart of it.When VINCI Construction made its move to purchase Wharehine, many in the industry nodded knowingly. It wasn’t sentiment, t was strategy.If you’re bidding to build the Northern Motorway Extension, you want two things: local muscle and local material. Wharehine has both.A company built for the NorthWharehine’s crews are veterans of the region’s toughest terrain. They’ve shifted hundreds of thousands of tonnes of aggregate through steep gullies and clay slopes, mastering the art of building roads that last. Their gear, their people, their quarries all positioned within a short haul of the planned motorway route through Dome Valley and Te Hana. VINCI saw that. And they saw something else too: Wharehine’s credibility.While VINCI may be a global heavyweight, it’s Wharehine’s local name that opens doors, with councils, suppliers, iwi, and landowners. Owning Wharehine gives VINCI more than rock; it gives them roots.Timing is everythingVINCI’s consortium, Go>North, is one of three still in the running for the $3 billion Warkworth -Te Hana contract. A final decision is expected in 2026.By then, if the OIO approves the sale, Wharehine will already be inside the VINCI ten, ready to roll, ready to supply, and ready to build.For VINCI, it’s a move that could shave millions off project costs, lock in supply certainty, and strengthen their bid immeasurably. For locals, it’s bittersweet. The deal brings global investment and opportunity, but it also marks the first time in Wharehine’s history that control passes out of New Zealand hands.A Kiwi legacy in new handsStill, some in the industry see promise. If VINCI keeps Wharehine’s workforce, name, and regional focus intact, it could be a win-win: Northland jobs secured, infrastructure modernised, and a local icon scaling up to international projects. Others remain sceptical. “Once the profit leaves the country, it never comes back,” one veteran contractor said quietly. “And that’s the real loss.”The road aheadThe OIO’s verdict is expected early next year. If it’s approved, VINCI could finalise the purchase by mid-2026, just in time for the next stage of motorway construction to begin.Either way, the story of Wharehine won’t end here. Whether it’s a French-led chapter or a continuation of Kiwi grit, the company remains the backbone of our region the gravel beneath every road, the foundation beneath every journey.

Wood Street revitalisation to wrap up with a street partyWorks on Wood Street and surrounds are almost complete!The central part opened in time for Labour Weekend and all the extra visitors. Our contractors and project team are wrapping up the last of the work this month, ahead of the busy summer period. Next week the HEB team will do two more evenings of overnight work, Tuesday 11 November and Wednesday 12 November between 9pm and 6am, to complete asphalting on Ellen Street and Wood Street. During the overnight works Wood Street will be closed at Molesworth Drive (open as normal during the day). Thank you for your continued patience and support as we work to improve Wood Street and surrounds.Mark your diaries for a family-friendly street party in collaboration with Wood Street businesses taking place on Thursday 20 November, 4.30 to 8.30pm. There will be twilight shopping, entertainment, local music, a treasure hunt and more!The event is open to everyone and is a street party, with many of the shops and restaurants open late. There will be kapahaka from Mangawhai Beach School on the main stage, and entertainment from Circus Kumarani, as well as facepainting and a treasure hunt for children. Confirmed performances from:SojournThe Panimals (steel drums)Maggie BurkeBreaking GroundKdebtDJ Damian RoweJon ClistAnd more Please note: we’re not providing catering but are encouraging everyone to support the Wood Street businesses, many of whom will be open for the duration of the event. There is a prize raffle – with free entry for those who make purchases at participating businesses.

Warkworth / Rodney RegionMonday 10th November - Mostly cloudy. A few showers, some heavy from afternoon, turning to rain at night. Northerlies.Tuesday 11th November - Fine, apart from early isolated showers. Northwesterlies, turning southwesterly in the morning.Wednesday 12th November - Occasional rain, persistent with heavy falls in the afternoon. Easterlies, turning to strong southwesterlies.Thursday 13th November - Isolated showers, becoming widespread and heavier. Light winds.Friday 14th - Showers, easing. Southwesterlies, becoming strong.Saturday 15th - A few showers with westerlies.Sunday 16th - Partly cloudy. Light winds.Mangawhai / Northland RegionMonday 10th November - Mostly cloudy. The odd shower, then rain from evening. Northerlies.Tuesday 11th November - Cloud clearing and becoming fine before dawn. Westerlies developing for a time in the morning.Wednesday 12th November - Rain, easing to a few showers in the afternoon. Southerlies, turning westerly in the evening.Thursday 13th November - A few showers, heavier and more frequent in the afternoon. Westerlies developing.Friday 14th - A few showers developing. Southwesterlies.Saturday 15th - A few showers with southwesterlies.Sunday 16th - Partly cloudy. Light winds.

The quiet sale that could reshape Northland’s future.For more than seventy years, Wharehine has been part of our Northland identity, the name stamped on bridges, quarries, and road signs from Matakana to Kawakawa. Founded in the 1950s by three Wellsford blokes with one bulldozer and a shared dream, the company became a cornerstone of the region’s growth. Wharehine is woven into our landscape, literally. Its quarries at Matakana, Millbrook (Whangaripo), Ruakaka, Kawakawa, and Russell have supplied the rock beneath the Northern Gateway Toll Road, the NX2 Pūhoi–Warkworth motorway, and the Matakana Link Road.That’s why locals were stunned when news surfaced last month that VINCI Construction, a French infrastructure giant, had applied to the Overseas Investment Office (OIO) to buy 100% of Wharehine Group Holdings, quarries, trucks, engineering workshop and all.From Wellsford to the worldVINCI is no small fish. The French-based group builds roads, tunnels, airports, and bridges across 120 countries, employing more than a quarter of a million people.Now they’re casting their eyes north, not just to own a Kiwi company, but, many believe, to secure control of the very materials that will build the next great motorway.Because just beyond Warkworth lies the key to this whole story: the Warkworth - Te Hana Expressway, the next stage of the Northern Motorway.This 26-kilometre project will extend four lanes of highway through Dome Valley, connecting Wellsford and Te Hana. It’s one of New Zealand’s biggest upcoming infrastructure projects, and VINCI is in the thick of it.A motorway in the makingVINCI sits inside the consortium Go>North, one of three groups shortlisted by Waka Kotahi NZTA to build and operate the expressway. Their partners include HEB Construction and John Laing — all big hitters. So when VINCI moved to buy Wharehine just months before the shortlist was announced, the timing raised eyebrows across the construction world.To many in Wellsford and Warkworth, it feels clear: the French didn’t just buy Wharehine because they wanted a quarry. They bought it because they want the motorway.The jewel in the crownIf VINCI’s takeover goes through, they won’t just have a contractor, they’ll have the quarries that feed the motorway, the trucks that haul it, and the crews who know every bend of this landscape.It’s a tidy, strategic move. And it may well make the Go>North consortium the frontrunner for the massive Northern Motorway Extension.But it’s also the end of an era. Wharehine, once proudly “100% Kiwi owned,” could soon be a French-controlled subsidiary, its profits and direction flowing offshore for the first time in seven decades.Tomorrow on the Matakana Coast AppTomorrow we’ll explore Part Two: “Bought for the Motorway” Why Wharehine’s sale may be the smartest move VINCI ever made, diving deeper into how this acquisition positions VINCI to dominate the Northland Expressway and what it could mean for local jobs, ownership, and pride.Stay tuned, the story of Wharehine is far from over.

Unless otherwise stated, closures start at 9pm and finish at 5am. Traffic management may be in place before the advertised closure times for the mainline. NORTHERN MOTORWAY (SH1)Tristram Avenue northbound off-ramp, 11-13 NovemberSouthbound lanes between Northcote Road off-ramp and Onewa Road on-ramp, 10-11 NovemberNorthcote Road southbound on-ramp, 10-11 NovemberEsmonde Road southbound on-ramp, 10-11 November CENTRAL MOTORWAY JUNCTION (CMJ)Northbound lanes between Ellerslie-Panmure Highway off-ramp and Wellesley Street East (SH1) on-ramp, 10-11 November (approx 10:00pm to 5:00am)SH1 northbound to SH16 eastbound (Port) link, 10-11 November (approx 10:00pm to 5:00am)SH1 northbound to SH16 westbound link, 10-11 November (approx 10:00pm to 5:00am)Eastbound lanes between Great North Road off-ramp and Alten Road, 13 November (approx 10:00pm to 5:00am)SH1 southbound to SH16 eastbound (Port) link, 13 November (approx 10:00pm to 5:00am)SH1 northbound to SH16 eastbound (Port) link, 13 November (approx 10:00pm to 5:00am)SH16 eastbound to SH1 northbound link, 13 November (approx 10:00pm to 5:00am)SH16 eastbound to SH1 southbound link, 13 November (approx 10:00pm to 5:00am)Eastbound lanes between Wellesley Street East (SH1) off-ramp and Alten Road, 13 November (approx 10:00pm to 5:00am)Grafton Road eastbound on-ramp, 13 November (approx 10:00pm to 5:00am) SOUTHERN MOTORWAY (SH1)Northbound lanes between Ellerslie-Panmure Highway off-ramp and Wellesley Street East (SH1) on-ramp, 10-11 November (approx 10:00pm to 5:00am)Gillies Avenue northbound on-ramp, 10-11 November (approx 10:00pm to 5:00am)Greenlane northbound on-ramp, 10-11 November (approx 10:00pm to 5:00am)Ellerslie-Panmure Highway northbound on-ramp, 10-11 November (approx 10:00pm to 5:00am)Papakura (Diamond) southbound on-ramp, 9-13 NovemberNorthbound lanes between Bombay off-ramp and Drury/SH22 on-ramp, 9 & 11-12 NovemberRamarama northbound on-ramp, 9 & 11-12 NovemberBombay northbound on-ramp, 9 & 11-12 NovemberBombay southbound off-ramp, 9-13 November (approx 9:30pm to 5:00am)NORTHWESTERN MOTORWAY (SH16)Southbound lanes between Foster Road and Trigg Road, approx. 7:00pm Saturday 8 November to 5:00am Monday 10 NovemberNorthbound lanes between Trigg Road and Foster Road, approx. 7:00pm Saturday 8 November to 5:00am Monday 10 NovemberHobsonville Road westbound off-ramp, 9-13 NovemberWestbound lanes between Great North Road off-ramp and Lincoln Road on-ramp, 12 November (approx 10:00pm to 5:00am)Te Atatu Road westbound on-ramp, 12 NovemberPatiki Road westbound on-ramp, 12 NovemberGreat North Road westbound on-ramp, 12 NovemberSH16 eastbound to SH20 southbound link (Waterview southbound tunnel closed), 10-11 NovemberGreat North Road eastbound off ramp (Waterview southbound tunnel closed), 10-11 NovemberSH16 westbound to SH20 southbound link (Waterview southbound tunnel closed), 10-11 NovemberEastbound lanes between Great North Road off-ramp and Alten Road, 13 November (approx 10:00pm to 5:00am)Great North Road eastbound on-ramp, 13 NovemberSt Lukes Road eastbound on-ramp, 13 November UPPER HARBOUR MOTORWAY (SH18)Westbound lanes between Greenhithe Road off-ramp and Tauhinu Road on-ramp, 11 & 13 NovemberEastbound lanes between Tauhinu Road off-ramp and Greenhithe Road on-ramp, 11 & 13 November SOUTHWESTERN MOTORWAY (SH20)Northbound lanes between Maioro Street off-ramp and SH16 links (Waterview northbound tunnel closed), 12-13 NovemberSH20 northbound to SH16 westbound link (Waterview northbound tunnel closed), 12-13 NovemberSH20 northbound to SH16 eastbound link (Waterview northbound tunnel closed), 12-13 NovemberMaioro Street northbound on-ramp (Waterview northbound tunnel closed), 12-13 NovemberNorthbound lanes between Massey Road off-ramp and Rimu Road on-ramp, 9-10 November (approx 10:00pm to 5:00am)Coronation Road northbound on-ramp, 9-10 NovemberSH20 northbound to SH20A southbound link, 9-10 November (approx 10:00pm to 5:00am)Massey Road northbound on-ramp, 9-10 NovemberNorthbound lanes between Cavendish Drive off-ramp and Massey Road on-ramp, 11-13 November (approx 10:00pm to 5:00am)Puhinui Road northbound on-ramp, 11-13 NovemberDrive northbound on-ramp, 11-13 November GEORGE BOLT MEMORIAL DRIVE (SH20A)Northbound lanes between Kirkbride Road off-ramp and SH20 link, 9-10 November (approx 10:00pm to 5:00am)SH20A northbound to SH20 northbound link, 9-10 November (approx 10:00pm to 5:00am)Kirkbride Road northbound on-ramp, 9-10 November

Passing on the baton, keeping the heart of Warkworth strongLast year, someone asked why, at 75, I was still working. My answer was simple: I love what I do.That’s why it feels a little strange to share that I’ll be retiring from my role as Manager of One Mahurangi on the 18th March next year. (Then, on 4 April, I’ll be marrying my amazing partner, Ines. A day that’s been a long time coming!)After ten years in the role, the decision to retire wasn’t easy. I’ve had a few health challenges in recent years, which played a part, but I also believe the time is right for a new voice. Someone with fresh energy and vision to lead One Mahurangi, Warkworth into its next chapter.This truly has been my dream job. From the long battle with Watercare and the many events we’ve pulled together, to the daily chats on the street with locals who care deeply about our town, every part of it has been rewarding. Even the late-night calls about floating pontoons or unlocked doors at the Masonic have added to the adventure.I’ll be ensuring a smooth handover to whoever steps into the role and will still be involved in a few community favourites like the Mahurangi Winter Festival of Lights and the Great Debate. But this year’s Warkworth Santa Parade will be my last as organiser. Make sure you register your float early. Last year’s was the biggest yet, and spaces are limited.Santa and Mrs Claus will also be touring Warkworth on Monday, 15 December, and Snells Beach on Wednesday, 17 December, from 6 pm. I look forward to seeing everyone in town on Saturday, 13 December for the Parade. And don’t forget, the Carols in the Park start at 8 pm that same evening.As the weather warms and we head into the festive season, remember to support local and help keep our community thriving. Every dollar spent in town makes a difference.Change is part of progress, and I have no doubt the future of One Mahurangi, Warkworth, is in good hands. I’ll always be proud to have played a small part in helping our town grow and thrive. Here’s to a bright summer ahead and an even stronger Mahurangi community.— Murray ChapmanManager, One Mahurangi, Warkworth Business [email protected] | 0274 966 550Have you entered your business float into the Warkworth Santa Parade yet? Do it now! It's gonna be HUGE. Visit onemahurangi.co.nz/wwsantaparade2025/OMBA AGM 2025. Photo credit: Mahurangi MattersAll AGM documentation, including Co-Chairs' Governance Report, Manager's Report, and Minutes are published on our website > onemahurangi.co.nz/agm2025/Consumer Spending Behaviour for Warkworth | SEP 2025September saw $24.6m spent in Warkworth (+2.1% year-on-year), while transactions eased 1.4%, suggesting slightly fewer purchases but a bit more spent per shop. We outperformed the wider Auckland result on spend (region was flat) and tracked close to the nationalpicture. Standouts were Department Stores & Leisure (+28.5%), while Home, Hardware & Electrical (-13.1%) remained soft. International spending jumped 65.6%, continuing to support local businesses. On the 12-month view, spend is up 1.5% and transactions up 0.7%. Read the full summary HERE>NOTICE: Temporary Carpark Closure – Neville StreetAuckland Council will be carrying out maintenance on the Neville Street carpark from 10 November for around one to two weeks.We know this is a busy time for local retailers, so we’ve been working with Council and Auckland Transport to help reduce the impact.Good news, the Council will open up the Baxter Street Reserve beside the skate ramp for free parking during the closure.Thanks to the Council for listening to our local businesses and helping keep Warkworth moving. Read the full press release HERE>UPDATE from Watercare: Warkworth Pump Station Overflow > READ HEREWarkworth Information CentreVisit Warkworth and Explore Mahurangi!📍 Local gems, events & attractions🗺️ Visitor info & travel tips!1 Baxter Street | Open weekdays 10AM -4PMFollow @visitwarkworth on InstagramWarkworth Sketchbook by Roger Williams on sale This collection features over 20 pen and wash sketches that capture the unique character of Warkworth heritage buildings and locations. 2026 Calendar out soon!// Community Noticeboard // 

It’s easy to assume Warkworth shuts up shop on a Sunday. Many local retailers rightly take a well-earned day off, and at first glance, visitors might think the town has gone to sleep.But look a little closer, and you’ll discover that Sundays in Warkworth have a charm all of their own. Behind the slower pace is a core of passionate local businesses keeping the heart of the town beating offering art, fashion, fine food, and friendly conversation in equal measure.Among those open are Salt River Gallery, 8.55 to Cairo, Warkworth Menswear, Stirling Sports, Imeldas Shoes, the Community Shop, Queen Street Café, and the Warkworth Hotel. Together they bring life, colour, and character to the main street every weekend.Wander through the stores and you’ll find everything from locally made gifts and original artworks to quality clothing and accessories. Stop for a coffee or a lazy brunch at Queen Street Café, or enjoy a relaxed meal and a cool drink at the Warkworth Hotel, both perfect spots to sit back and relax.And when you’ve finished exploring, step down to the river. Takeaway lunch in hand, find a seat beneath the trees, and enjoy the sound of the Mahurangi gently flowing by. It’s this quiet rhythm, the unhurried Sunday pace, that gives Warkworth its special kind of magic.So yes, Warkworth may be a little quieter on Sundays, but it’s a beautiful kind of quiet: one filled with warmth, community spirit, and a genuine love for local life.Local spirit. Local shopping. Local love. That’s Warkworth.

Warkworth / Rodney RegionFriday 7th November - Mainly fine with passing cloud. Sea breezes for a time in the afternoon and early evening.Saturday 8th November - Partly cloudy, with showers developing in the west in the afternoon. Northeasterlies developing in the morning.Sunday 9th November - Partly cloudy, with isolated showers in the afternoon. Northerlies.Mangawhai / Northland RegionFriday 7th November - Mostly cloudy, with a few showers, possibly heavy. Easterlies, easing at night.Saturday 8th November - Partly cloudy, with the chance of a shower until evening. Northeasterlies developing in the morning.Sunday 9th November - Partly cloudy, with the chance of a shower until evening. Northeasterlies developing in the morning.

A new set of average speed cameras on Matakana Road will officially become active from 1 December, with NZ Transport Agency (Waka Kotahi) confirming enforcement will begin after more than a year of installation and testing.The cameras are located just after the Matakana Link Road roundabout as you leave Warkworth, with the enforcement zone ending before Wright Road. The current speed limit for this stretch is 80 km/h.According to Waka Kotahi, the cameras have been in place for some time but have not yet issued fines while systems were calibrated. Testing is now underway, and from early December drivers travelling too fast between the cameras can expect infringement notices.Waka Kotahi says the purpose is to reduce dangerous driving behaviour.“Average speed safety cameras measure how long it takes you to travel between two points. If your average speed is over the legal limit, that indicates you’ve travelled too quickly to be driving safely,” the agency states. “Our aim is to reduce the number of people travelling over the speed limit and lessen the likelihood of a serious or fatal crash.”The cameras are the first of seven average-speed systems planned in Auckland, and part of a total rollout of 17 nationwide.Average-speed cameras are commonly used overseas, where they are considered more effective at addressing ongoing excessive speed than traditional fixed-point cameras.However, some locals are questioning why Matakana Road has been chosen as an early priority.Publicly available crash data indicates there have been only two fatal crashes on Matakana Road since at least 2010 – one in 2017 and another in 2021. With the road often operating below the speed limit due to congestion, particularly on weekends when the Matakana Village Farmers Market draws heavy visitor traffic, residents say speed is not the primary risk.Many point instead to issues such as driver impatience in slow-moving queues, turning movements at busy side roads, and seasonal tourism surges as greater contributors to pressure on the route.Despite this, Waka Kotahi maintains the cameras are being placed in areas where people are still at risk if speed limits are exceeded. They also emphasise warning signage ahead of the enforcement zone so drivers are aware they are entering a monitored section.Future upgrades in the corridor In addition, Auckland Transport has confirmed a broader upgrade programme for Matakana Road and its surrounds:AT’s “Matakana Road Upgrade” project involves transforming the corridor between the Hill Street intersection and the northern rural-urban boundary into an urban arterial with walking and cycling facilities. Works include widening around intersections, footpaths, cycle lanes, upgraded stormwater systems, batter slopes and associated earthworks. No funding for detailed design or construction has yet been allocated; delivery is aimed “sometime within the next 30 years”. Auckland TransportA related project, the “Sandspit Link”, proposes a new arterial connection between Matakana Road and Sandspit Road within the northeast Warkworth future urban zone. Again, detailed design and construction funding are not yet in place; the project horizon is up to 30 years out. Auckland TransportThe completed “Te Honohono ki Tai – Matakana Link Road” (a 1.35 km new connection between Matakana Road and SH1) has already opened, aimed at improving network resilience and access eastwards towards beaches and growth areas. These future upgrades suggest that AT views Matakana Road not just as a current traffic corridor, but as a key link in what’s described as “Warkworth / North Auckland future urban growth”. Auckland TransportThis context may help explain why speed-monitoring infrastructure is being put in place ahead of the major upgrade works.

A new invasive species — the yellow-legged hornet (Vespa velutina) — has been detected on Auckland’s North Shore, prompting urgent warnings that containment will not be possible without community involvement.Biosecurity New Zealand has confirmed six hornets found in the Glenfield area, four of them queens, and two already building nests. The hornet is a highly aggressive predator of honeybees and threatens both commercial honey production and the 27 native bee species unique to Aotearoa.Once yellow-legged hornets spread, overseas experience shows authorities alone cannot eradicate them. Early intervention from the public is critical.Build a DIY hornet trap at home Trap construction• Use a clean 1–1.5L plastic bottle• Cut a capital “H” shape into two opposite sides, halfway up the bottle• Fold the flaps inward to form funnel entries• Hang using wire or place upright on a stable surfaceSweet bait for NOW – November to DecemberTargets emerging queens• 1 cup beer - (alternative is active yeast a pinch with 1 cup of water)• 1 tablespoon sugar• Splash of white vinegar (discourages bees)• Few drops of dishwashing liquid (helps hornets drown)Protein bait for mid-summer – January to AprilTargets workers feeding larvaePea-sized bits of fatty meat or chicken skinAdd to the same liquid bait but omit sugarTrap placement and managementHang 1–1.5 metres above groundPlace in shade or semi-shade — bait lasts longerPosition away from flowers, fruit trees, and beehives to avoid beesRefresh bait weekly, or sooner in hot conditions**If bees are getting caught: Increase the amount of vinegar in your mixVinegar is an effective honeybee deterrent without reducing hornet attraction.Some incidental bycatch can occur, but preventing the hornet from establishing will protect far more native species in the long run.What to do if you spot a hornetPhotograph if safeCall 0800 80 99 66 — Biosecurity NZ’s pest hotline (24/7)Provide location, time, and any photosDo not attempt to destroy nests — yellow-legged hornets defend aggressivelyWhy community action mattersYellow-legged hornets can overwhelm and destroy entire beehives in a matter of hours. Overseas, regions that failed to control early incursions have suffered major pollinator losses and costly long-term consequences.Auckland is still in a critical early phase of the outbreak. Community trapping now could prevent their establishment not just in the city — but across Aotearoa.Protecting bees protects our food systems, biodiversity, and way of life.

COMMUNITY NOTICE: Temporary Carpark Closure Warkworth – Neville StreetAuckland Council will be carrying out necessary maintenance on the Neville Street carpark from 10 November for around one to two weeks.We know this is a busy time for local retailers in the lead up to Xmas shopping, so One Mahurangi has been working with Council and Auckland Transport to help reduce the impact.Consequently, the Council will open up the Baxter Street Reserve beside the skate ramp for free parking during the closure.Thanks to Auckland Council for listening to our local businesses and helping keep Warkworth moving.— Murray ChapmanOne Mahurangi, Warkworth, Manager

Finn Blackwell, ReporterPolice say they have not found a woman who disappeared in Auckland more than two months ago, but they are committed to finding answers.Te Anihana Pomana, also known as Ani Anderson, went missing on 21 August after leaving Sky City hotel in the early hours of the morning.The 25-year-old was seen on CCTV heading towards Victoria Street West in the central city before she vanished.Police last month said Pomana had withdrawn cash before her disappearance, and that her bank account had not been used since.She had left all her belongings in the hotel.Detective Senior Sergeant Martin Friend said police acknowledged the pain and frustration Pomana's family felt, and urged nearby businesses to help in their search."Police are appealing to business owners, particularly in the central Auckland area, to thoroughly check their premises," he said."This includes storage areas, outbuildings, and any spaces that may not be regularly accessed in case Te Anihana has managed to enter unnoticed."Friend said police had not been able to identify any positive leads despite significant resources committed to the investigation."We continue to appeal to the public - if anyone has any information, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant, please come forward."We remain committed to finding answers and bringing Te Anihana home."Meanwhile, Pomana's family took to social media, to voice their frustrations at the investigation into her disappearance."Sincerely grateful for the ongoing genuine support and care for our Te Anihana, Te Anihana is literally one of the most beautiful human beings ever," the post said."Shes of light, her heart pure gold, would do absolutely anything for anyone. A keen go getter. A genuine beautiful old soul. Regardless of possible notes online. We have made it clear since the beginning Te Anihana was struggling with her health both physical & mental."The facts remain there has been a piss poor investigation since the beginning."Anyone with information can update police online now or call 105 using the reference number 250822/6281.Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.Timeline of Te Anihana Pomana's disappearanceEarly August: Pomana travelled from Dunedin to Christchurch with her father.2 August: She arrived in Auckland and was treated at Middlemore Hospital for existing injuries. She was later discharged.Early August: It's believed she moved between multiple hostels, hotels, and bedsits in early August.18 August: Pomana checked into SkyCity Hotel in Central Auckland, at 11.11pm.20 August: She was seen on CCTV boarding WX1 bus from Hobson Street at 6.37pm. Police believed she travelled to Lincoln Road in Henderson then returned to city.21 August: There was a confirmed sighting on CCTV of Pomana leaving Sky City at 5.06am, where she left all of her belongings behind. The last confirmed sighting was on Victoria Street West that day at 5.16am.29 August: Police released CCTV of her last known movements.5 September: Pomana's mother and police issue an appeal for information about her location.25 September: Police say despite many people coming forward with information, there had been no new sightings.1 October: Pomana's family issue an update on social media, saying there had been no sightings or bank movements since her disappearance.This story was originally published by RNZ

Pets and their owners can tune in and chill out to RNZ's annual Concert for Animals tonight.There are more than four million pets in Aotearoa, many of whom are spooked by the loud bangs and flashes of light fireworks cause.Scientific research suggests music, especially classical, can be soothing for cats and dogs in veterinary hospitals or animal shelters. And we know that the best way to help a stressed companion animal is for them to have their human, feeling calm, nearby.So with that in mind, RNZ Concert presents its annual Guy Fawkes night radio show of music chosen to calm pets and people alike.Sophie miaowssively appreciated RNZ's Guy Fawkes sonic sanctuary of calm last year.You can enjoy music written for animals such as 'Mina' by Edward Elgar for his beloved Cairns terrier. 'The Swan' from Carnival of the Animals by Camille Saint-Saëns, 'Scene by the Brook', from Beethoven's Pastoral and we haven’t forgotten farm animals either with 'Sheep May Safely Graze', by Johann Sebastian Bach.Tune in from 6pm Wednesday night and let RNZ Concert calm the farm for people and their furry friends to snuggle up to on a night that can be stressful for animals.Napoleon Bunaparte and Sophie doe Bundorset, both partial to a bit of Chopin.To listen to RNZ Concert tune in on the radio, or stream us from rnz.co.nz, the RNZ App, SKY TV channel 422, or Freeview Channel 51. You can text us on 8824, texts cost 20 cents.Rangi and Toto enjoying Concert for Animals last year.RNZ Concert listenersMay Quinn found Mozart's Clarinet Concerto in A major the perfect antidote to last years' dog unfriendly human behaviour. An RNZ Concert listenerThe SPCA’s top tips to care for companion animalsBoth cats and dogs should be microchipped with up-to-date contact details and have a collar and identification tag with your contact details on it.Exercise your dog early in the day to avoid being out during dusk when fireworks could be set off.If your cat has outside access, make sure they are safe in your home before dusk.Have small pets like rabbits, guinea pigs or chickens tucked away safely or even inside for the night.Stay home with your pet – they will be less stressed with someone they trust close by.Keep them indoors – they won’t see the flashes and the bangs will be muffled. Close doors and windows and draw the curtains. Listen to RNZ Concert.Make sure that your cat or dog has somewhere comforting to hide such as an igloo bed, covered crate or making a bed wherever they feel safe to retreat to.Try a compression wrap for dogs. animals feel secure with gentle pressure on them (like you would swaddle a baby)If your pet seeks you out, comfort them. If they prefer to retreat and be left alone, let them.Farm AnimalsTo minimise stress, keep horses and farmed animals in their familiar paddocks and with their usual companions unless a firework display is planned close by.Make sure all fences are secure and check paddocks and stables thoroughly for anything that could cause injury, such as protruding nails.If you need to stable or move animals, do this in advance so that the animals have a chance to get used to their new surroundings.This story was originally published by RNZ

Struggling Auckland oyster farmers will receive financial support from Watercare after a fault at its Warkworth wastewater pump station left their farms contaminated and unable to harvest.Watercare estimated the overflow volume was about 1200 cubic metres, but did not know how much had reached the harbour.The fault was not flagged by Watercare's internal alert system.From Wednesday afternoon until Thursday morning, wastewater entered the adjacent stormwater pond and then flowed into the Mahurangi River.Watercare confirmed on Monday in a statement that it was discussing the issue of financial support with Aquaculture New Zealand, which was acting for the oyster farmers.Chief executive Jamie Sinclair said Watercare was deeply sorry."We understand how serious this is - it's caused disruption and hardship for people whose livelihoods depend on a clean harbour. We are genuinely sorry and we're committed to making it right," said Sinclair.Watercare said the pump station was stabilised and normal operations were restored on Thursday, with the combined wastewater and stormwater pumped from the stormwater pond back into the pump station on Thursday and Friday.The agency said a thorough clean-up of the area was carried out over the weekend and the pond was refilled with clean, unchlorinated water in line with advice from Auckland Council's freshwater ecologist.It said testing had since shown the pond water was now within safe levels.Watercare said the overflow was a unique incident caused by a technical failure following a power surge, which disrupted operations at the Warkworth site.It is understood the surge tripped the pumps, causing the pump station's storage tank to fill.Sinclair said the cause of this overflow was different to previous issues that were caused by rainfall and growth putting pressure on existing infrastructure, and which was being addressed by infrastructure upgrades."This overflow was caused by a power surge and compounded by our alert system not working as we would expect, which meant it was not identified as quickly as it should have been."Sinclair said two investigations were underway - one looking at the cause of the power surge that tripped the pumps and resulted in the overflow; while the second review would look at why alarms did not immediately alert Watercare to the problem.This story was originally published by RNZ

Alexia Russell, for The DetailIf you hold the purse strings to government spending, you know there are so many things that will suck up those dollars.But while nurses, teachers and firefighters protest about the infrastructure crumbling around them, others are scratching their heads over the rapidly increasing bill for the Roads of National Significance. The latest estimates puts just 17 roads in the range of $44 - $54 billion.That's 23 Dunedin Hospital rebuilds, or half as much again as our entire 11,000 kilometre highway system is worth.Eight of the roads have had their costs increased by $5b in the past two years (without any shovels getting into the ground), some because the original estimates were based on old figures, but also because infrastructure inflation since covid has been astronomical.Prime Minister Christopher Luxon says the bottom line is that we need to act now to future-proof this country's infrastructure.Newsroom senior political reporter Marc Daalder says there's a range of factors behind the cost increases."For some of these projects the scope of them has expanded or changed, so they're going to look different than they had previously thought. Some of the costings that National relied on during the campaign were really old costings, some of them dating back as far as 2015, so we've obviously had quite a lot of inflation since then."Time has passed since the costings were developed and a more intensive process has been undertaken to understand how much these projects might cost, and as a result of that we've gotten some higher figures than we might have expected."There's one project that's sucking up much of the billions, and that's the Northland corridor. It's been divided into three stages which together will cost an estimated $18 - $22b.There is an argument that it's Northland's time for some road security, but advocates such as Greater Auckland director Matt Lowrie says it's a lot to pay for a road that will carry less traffic than most of Auckland's arterial roads."We simply can't afford to be spending $15 - $20 billion on a single road that carries on average 10 - 15,000 vehicles a day," he says."We need to find solutions that can provide improved quality service ... but should it be straight to a large four-laned highway or should we look at other options first? That includes easing corners, putting safety measures in place, putting more passing lanes in place. Those are the types of things we used to do quite regularly along large parts of our network."NZTA has said the Northland corridor will make it 38 minutes faster to drive from Te Hana and Whangārei, but according to Google maps that trip takes 59 minutes - a seemingly impossible shaving off of time.However, the fine print reveals that 38 minutes is only saved if you're in bumper to bumper holiday traffic, and without congestion the time saving is as little as eight minutes.Lowrie says the cost justification for building these roads has been "juiced by some convenient maths", with changes in the Benefit Cost Ratio calculation issued by Treasury earlier this year."What effectively the government has done through officials is to change those rates to be more favourable to big projects," he says.Instead of being weighed against 30 years of benefits, that calculation has moved out to 60 years, and other rates have been tweaked too. The critieria has effectively been lowered quite significantly."So that means that these big projects suddenly look a lot better ... under previous governments these projects would never have been built based on economic outcomes."The BCR is only one aspect of assessing a project and Lowrie discusses the details in Tuesday's The Detail podcast.The counter argument to this is that we underestimate the benefits from such infrastructure. Nick Leggett, the chief executive of Infrastructure New Zealand, says the parameters of the BCR can be quite narrow, and there are other factors we should consider.He thinks we don't sell the value of such projects well enough."We don't paint a picture - people can't see why we do these things," he says. "If people can't see benefits, if they're not explained ... they won't buy into it, and all they'll see is the cost."I think there is a cultural aspect to this in New Zealand. We do whinge about the cost of everything and we see the value maybe 10 years later once something's built."He gives as an example the building of the Auckland Harbour Bridge, seen at the time as too expensive, with not enough return on investment. The project forged ahead with tolls - "it led to the whole North Shore," he says."Five percent of New Zealand's economy travels across that bridge every day. And if it fails - and there's a risk of it failing, it's not going to go on forever - it would be catastrophic, for Auckland and the whole of New Zealand."Another example he gives is Transmission Gully.An [infometrics report https://infrastructure.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/INZ-Transmission-Gully-Report_DIGITAL_Final_16.09.25.pdf commissioned by Infrastructure NZ] says since it opened three years ago there have been no fatalities on that stretch of highway, massively reduced serious injuries and an estimated $173 million a year economic benefit to reducing people sitting in traffic.He also points out that the country can only afford to pay for more resilience, an aging population, and public services in health and education if we are growing as a nation, "and infrastructure is the backbone of that".Check out how to listen to and follow The Detail here.This article was originally published by RNZ